Former Inter and Italian defender Marco Materazzi firmly believes his old club is the favorite heading into the Coppa Italia final against Lazio. He expressed surprise at Lazio’s presence in the final, stating that at the season’s start, “nobody would have bet €1” on them reaching this stage.
The Coppa Italia final is set to take place between Lazio and Inter at the Stadio Olimpico. Lazio advanced to the final by defeating Milan, Bologna, and Atalanta, while Inter overcame Venezia, Torino, and Como. Coincidentally, the two finalists recently met in Serie A at the same venue, with Inter, the newly crowned Scudetto winners, securing a 3-0 victory.
Inter and Lazio are historically strong contenders in this competition, with Inter aiming for their 10th title and Lazio seeking their 8th. In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Materazzi emphasized that the recent Serie A match served as a clear indication of Inter’s superior form and their status as strong favorites.
He praised Inter’s relentless pursuit of objectives, noting their determination to win every competition. Materazzi also voiced his support for manager Cristian Chivu, acknowledging that many fans might have doubted his success at the season’s outset, but he maintained confidence in Chivu’s abilities.
Regarding standout players, Materazzi highlighted Marcus Thuram’s impressive season, expressing pride in his journey despite initial criticism and doubts about his quality. He recounted sending Thuram messages of encouragement and stressed the importance of his partnership with Lautaro Martinez. Materazzi believes Thuram’s return to form, marked by crucial goals for the Scudetto, has been vital for Inter, and advised the club to retain him.
On Lautaro Martinez, Materazzi thanked him for his goal-scoring contributions, particularly in Serie A. He lamented Martinez’s injury during a crucial period which potentially impacted Inter’s Champions League campaign, hoping he will make a significant impact in the final.
Materazzi also pointed to Nicolo Barella as another key player who has rediscovered his peak form, delivering important goals and performances, even wearing the captain’s armband. He urged vigilance for Barella’s impact.
Turning to Lazio, Materazzi acknowledged their commendable journey to the final, reiterating his surprise at their progression. He stressed the need for their experienced coach to instill belief in his players, as anything can happen in a single match.
Discussing the significance of a Coppa Italia win for former teammate Cristian Chivu, Materazzi described it as a “nice double.” He noted that Chivu’s evaluation went beyond his brief Serie A managerial stint and encompassed his inherent leadership qualities, evident since his early days as captain at Ajax.
Reflecting on his personal Coppa Italia history, Materazzi expressed regret over the 2007 final, where Inter suffered a heavy aggregate defeat to Roma. He also cherished the 2010 Coppa Italia triumph as part of the treble, not just for the trophy itself but for the personal significance of being included by Jose Mourinho despite not being a regular starter. He emphasized the value of Mourinho’s trust and the impact of that Coppa Italia win on him.
In his concluding remarks, Materazzi predicted that Inter would perform strongly, driven by their potential and physical and mental fortitude. He anticipated Lazio might start hesitantly, possibly showing some fear, but acknowledged their potential to create opportunities. Ultimately, Materazzi believes Inter’s goal is clear: to celebrate winning two trophies in Milan on Sunday.
English Translation:
Materazzi: Inter Want to Parade Two Trophies, Nobody Would Have Bet €1 on Lazio
Former Inter and Italy defender Marco Materazzi has no doubts that his former side are the favorites heading into Wednesday evening’s Coppa Italia final against Lazio, and claims that ‘nobody would have bet €1’ on the Biancocelesti reaching the final at the beginning of the campaign.
Lazio and Inter will meet at the Stadio Olimpico for the 2025-26 Coppa Italia title. Maurizio Sarri’s side have beaten Milan, Bologna, and Atalanta to qualify, while Inter have overcome Venezia, Torino, and Como. Coincidentally, the two finalists met in Serie A over the weekend, with Cristian Chivu’s recently-crowned Scudetto winners taking a 3-0 victory.
Inter and Lazio are among the most successful sides in the competition’s history. The Nerazzurri will be hoping to secure their 10th cup title, while the Biancocelesti will be aiming for their eighth.
Materazzi Previews Lazio vs. Inter Coppa Italia Final
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Materazzi stated that the recent Serie A match solidified Inter’s position as strong favorites for the Coppa Italia final.
“It has given us several indications. I saw an Inter side that didn’t ease up. They had a goal, achieved it, and didn’t take their foot off the gas. It’s a team determined to conquer everything. It’s a club where few poor decisions are made.
“I bet many Inter fans that they wouldn’t have believed Cristian could achieve all this at the beginning of the season. I’ve always said: ‘Don’t worry, he knows what he’s doing’.”
Materazzi also named his standout player of the season: “I’m so happy and proud of Thuram’s journey. He’s been criticized a bit, and his qualities have been doubted. I sent Marcus many messages during that time, telling him not to give up and to remember how strong he is.
“When the balance was restored, with him and Lautaro playing together again (and we can only thank Pio for his contributions at 20), we saw who the really important players are.”
It’s undeniable that Inter performs at their best with both Thuram and Lautaro Martinez available.
“They missed Lautaro a lot, and partly Marcus too when he wasn’t playing at his best. But the moment he properly returned, towards the end of March, he scored important goals for the Scudetto. Maybe it was good for him not to read the criticism during his worst period. Inter would do well to keep hold of him.
And on Lautaro himself, Materazzi added: “To someone who has scored 17 goals just in Serie A, I have to say thank you. It’s a shame he got hurt during a difficult moment, forcing him to miss the second leg against Bodo/Glimt. If he had played that game, we’d be talking about a different story for Inter in the Champions League. As an Inter fan, I can only hope he leaves his mark on this final as well.”
The strikers are not Inter’s only threat: “Let’s not forget Nicolo Barella. At a time when many thought he had passed his peak, he remembered exactly who he is.
“He has always played a lot and had to deal with Italy’s elimination from the World Cup psychologically. He has brought out his best attributes, scored important goals, and put in big performances, sometimes with the captain’s armband. The real version of him is back, so I say watch out for Barella.”
And on Lazio, Materazzi said: “They have to be proud of the path they’ve taken in this year’s Coppa Italia. At the beginning of the season, nobody would have bet €1 on them reaching the final, but they’ve got an experienced coach. Now he will have to make the players understand that they can do it. Anything can happen in a one-off game.”
What would winning the Coppa Italia mean for Materazzi’s former teammate, Chivu?
“A nice double. Those who evaluated Cristian last summer didn’t just do it based on the 13 games he had in Serie A with Parma, but for everything he represents for the Nerazzurri.
“He has always held himself accountable and has always shown his players that he believes in them. Nobody teaches you that. There’s something inside him, and that’s been there since his time at Ajax, when he was already captain of the club at the age of 20.”
Materazzi still has one Coppa Italia final regret: the 2007 final, a two-legged tie that saw Roma win 7-4 on aggregate against Inter.
“The one we lost 6-2 in 2007 (was my biggest regret). We were probably drunk because we’d just won the Scudetto. I was suspended in the second leg. We could have overturned it, but that’s how it went.”
And Materazzi’s favorite Coppa Italia memory?
“Most of all, I care about the one in 2010. Not because it was part of the treble, but because it was a Coppa Italia campaign I always played in.
“At the beginning of the year, Mourinho called me and said: ‘I would like you to stay with us, but take your time to decide’. Two minutes later I called him back and said ‘I want to stay with you’. He told me that other players would come in and that I wouldn’t be a starter, and I was fine with that.
“Two days before the cup final, I was on the bench and Jose approached me to say: ‘But do you want to play in the final?’. He always gave me confidence, and we won that Coppa Italia. For me, that trust was worth as much as winning the Champions League.”
And, providing his final assessment ahead of Wednesday’s final, Materazzi said: “Inter will go onto the pitch and prove their case because they have that potential. I see Lazio starting a little hesitantly. Maybe they’ll be a little afraid, but they might have some opportunities with which they could trip the Nerazzurri. But I imagine Inter will be strong physically and mentally. And they will have one single goal: To parade two cups in Milan on Sunday.”